Glaw Lake Becomes Arunachal Pradesh’s First Ramsar Site; India’s Ramsar Sites Reach 101

Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh becomes India’s 101st Ramsar Site and the state’s first. Know its location, biodiversity, significance and Ramsar Convention facts for UPSC.

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India has achieved another major milestone in wetland conservation with the designation of Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh as the country’s 101st Ramsar Site. The announcement was made by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on 3 August 2026, marking a historic achievement as Arunachal Pradesh receives its first Ramsar Site.

The inclusion of Glaw Lake in the prestigious Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance reflects India’s growing commitment to conserving wetlands, protecting biodiversity, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Glaw Lake Becomes Arunachal Pradesh’s First Ramsar Site

Glaw Lake declared India’s 101st Ramsar Site
First Ramsar Site in Arunachal Pradesh
Located inside Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary
A pristine freshwater lake in the Eastern Himalayas
Home to rich biodiversity with over 150 tree species and 49 orchid species
Strengthens India’s global leadership in wetland conservation

What is Glaw Lake?

Glaw Lake is a pristine freshwater wetland situated within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in Lohit District, Arunachal Pradesh. Nestled in the ecologically rich Eastern Himalayan landscape, the lake is fed by perennial mountain streams and supports diverse ecosystems.

The surrounding forests and catchment areas host exceptional floral diversity, making the wetland an important habitat for numerous plant and animal species.

Key Facts about Glaw Lake

Feature	Details
State	Arunachal Pradesh
District	Lohit
Protected Area	Kamlang Tiger Reserve & Wildlife Sanctuary
Wetland Type	Freshwater Lake
Region	Eastern Himalayas
Water Source	Perennial mountain streams
Tree Species	More than 150
Orchid Species	49
Ramsar Status	India’s 101st Ramsar Site

Why is Glaw Lake Ecologically Important?

Glaw Lake possesses exceptional ecological significance due to its location within one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots.

Biodiversity Conservation

The wetland supports:

Rich Himalayan flora
More than 150 tree species
49 recorded orchid species
Diverse freshwater ecosystems
Habitat for numerous wildlife species found within Kamlang Tiger Reserve

Water Security

The lake plays a crucial role in:

Maintaining freshwater resources
Regulating local hydrological cycles
Recharging groundwater
Supporting downstream ecosystems

Climate Change Mitigation

Wetlands act as natural carbon sinks by:

Storing carbon in vegetation and soils
Regulating regional climate
Reducing flood risks
Maintaining ecological balance

India’s Ramsar Network Reaches 101 Sites

With the inclusion of Glaw Lake, India now has 101 Ramsar Sites, reinforcing its position among countries with the largest number of internationally recognized wetlands.

This achievement demonstrates India’s sustained efforts to protect ecologically important wetlands under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

According to the Environment Minister, India has expanded its Ramsar network significantly:

2014: 26 Ramsar Sites
2026: 101 Ramsar Sites

The rapid increase reflects greater emphasis on biodiversity conservation and sustainable wetland management.

What is a Ramsar Site?

A Ramsar Site is a wetland recognized as being of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty dedicated to the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

The convention seeks to ensure that wetlands continue to provide ecological services while supporting sustainable development.